affidavit of support i-134

[katrinar 0]

how do u convince someone to help u with affidavit of support? i only have a couple people to choose from and they ask me questions like oh i have to take care of him or they say oh if he runs off on u then ill have to be the burden i havent been able to find any info on the net that explains the enforceability of the document please help thank you so much

[Jersey Girl 2]

You could tell them that the I-134 is not a legally binding contract, but only a moral obligation on the part of the USC sponsor to keep the alien from becoming a public charge. Co sponsors are simply back-ups.

You could also tell them that the I-134 is a short lived document, since you'll be getting married and most likely applying for AOS. By that time, you might be in a better financial position and may not need a joint sponsor.

[katrinar 0]

is that lying? is it really not a legally binding contract?

[Jersey Girl 2]

I'm not a lawyer, but my understanding is that the I-134 is a serious oath, taken before a Notary, that you will sponsor the alien. You give evidence, in duplicate, of your financial abilities to keep the alien from becoming a burden to the taxpayer.

But since a K visa is a non-immigrant visa, the I-134 may not be as serious as what's coming next: the I-864. That's when you complete the process for an immigrant visa (greencard) and the financial obligations of the sponsor(s) do become legally binding for 10 years (I believe) whether you stay married or not.

I had a hard time convincing my brother to be a co-sponsor on the I-134 until I explained we'd be adjusting status as soon as my husband comes to the States. This means my brother will be off the hook in about 6 months. By that time, I shouldn't need a co-sponsor.

Look down the road to see if you only need a co-sponsor on a temporary basis (I-134) or for the long term.